The events industry is fast paced and dynamic, with opportunities at sporting venues, festivals, conferences, exhibitions, fundraising events, product launches and more. With long hours and varying shifts, you’ll need to be a real people person, with an excellent attention to detail and the ability to thrive under pressure. You may be liaising with clients and suppliers, coordinating staff, managing budgets or overseeing the operational management of an event.
Covid-19 has had a major impact, with the cancellation of and reduced demand for face-to-face events and conferences. There has inevitably been a shift towards digital opportunities, requiring different skills sets and knowledge.
Types of job
Common job titles in this area of work include:
- Event Assistant/Executive
- Event Organiser/Coordinator/Manager
- Duty Manager
- Front of House Manager
- Customer Service Manager
- Conference Centre Manager
- Operations or Staffing Manager
To find out more about what an event organiser does visit the Prospects website: Event Manager job profile.
Interested in reading about conference management? Visit the TARGETjobs page on conference management.
Experts are predicting the emergence of new roles e.g. event technologist, and the rise of the digital events manager. The Entrepreneur website talks about the range of technical skills required for these new areas.
Entry routes
You’re unlikely to find any graduate schemes in events management but there are various opportunities for graduates.
Jobs in events management are generally open to all graduates who demonstrate the right skills and qualities - always having a can-do attitude and getting along with people is key to making an impression. If you're flexible and enthusiastic there are many opportunities to progress.
Getting experience
Take advantage of any opportunities to organise or help organise a small scale event, for example, through a student society, charity, local club or promotions work.
Find internships or events agencies to approach for work experience using the links below. Gaining employment and work experience in related sectors such as hospitality, bar work, promotions and administration will also really help.
Make sure you promote any customer service experience in your applications.
Develop your technical skills and knowledge through LinkedIn Learning and other platforms. However, simply engaging in different webinars and online events, trying out new apps and software will also help you become familiar.
The University of Birmingham offers work experience bursaries for any student in their first, second or penultimate year of study. For more details visit the internship funding pages.
Careers Network advertises internships on Careers Connect.
Finding a job, internship or further information
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